The Basics
Score: MNU 7 – Benedictine 52
Record: MNU (7-4, 4-2), BC (10-1, 5-0)
Location: Atchison, Kan. – Larry Wilcox Stadium
ATCHISON, Kan. – MNU saw its regular season come to a tough close on Saturday, falling 52-7 on the road to #3 Benedictine at Larry Wilcox Stadium. The Ravens' explosive offense and opportunistic defense proved too much for the Pioneers, who finish the 2025 campaign at 7-4 overall and 4-2 in the Heart South.
The Pioneers battled throughout but were unable to overcome a wave of early Benedictine momentum. MNU moved the ball effectively at times — including a 62-yard first-quarter drive and a touchdown march in the third — but four interceptions and consistent short fields for the Ravens made the uphill climb too steep.
Benedictine opened with back-to-back touchdown drives, then added 24 more points in the second quarter to take a 31-0 lead into halftime. MNU's best first-half sequence came midway through the opening quarter when Drew Miller connected with Samuel Gonzalez for 25 yards and pushed the offense into the red zone before an interception halted the promising drive. Two more takeaways in the first half put the Ravens in control.
MNU broke through early in the third when the offense responded with its sharpest series of the day. After a defensive stop, Miller found Quinn Niemann for 27 yards, then hit Aiyo'n Carter on a 24-yard strike to put the Pioneers on the board with 11:29 left in the quarter.
But Benedictine answered immediately with a 43-yard touchdown, and the Ravens added two more rushing scores in the fourth to put the game out of reach.
Miller finished 14-for-26 for 144 yards and a touchdown, while Carter, Niemann, and Gonzalez each contributed key receptions. Devin Andrews led the ground game with 42 yards on 16 carries, and Sherman Smith provided a spark on special teams with five kickoff returns for 89 yards. Defensively, linebacker Jonathon Brown led the Pioneers with 11 tackles, and Jeremiah Smith, Elijah McFadden, and Lester Johnson each added six stops. Matthew Potucek and Eli Saintjuste each recorded a pass breakup.
"Tough loss to a great team," said head coach Ivan Cordova. "I am proud of the season we had and am incredibly proud of this senior class for everything they sacrificed. I am honored I got to coach these guys."
Turning Point
Trailing 14-0 late in the first quarter, MNU drove 62 yards into Benedictine territory — only to see the chance wiped away by a 59-yard interception return. The Ravens scored moments later, stretching the lead to 21-0 and seizing full control.
Individual Leaders
Drew Miller: 14-for-26, 144 yards, 1 TD
Devin Andrews: 16 carries, 42 yards
Aaron Johnson: 4 carries, 14 yards; 1 reception, 12 yards
Aiyo'n Carter: 2 receptions, 29 yards, 1 TD
Quinn Niemann: 3 receptions, 34 yards
Samuel Gonzalez: 3 receptions, 57 yards
Sherman Smith: 5 kickoff returns, 89 yards
Jonathon Brown: 11 tackles
Jeremiah Smith: 6 tackles
Elijah McFadden: 6 tackles
Lester Johnson: 6 tackles
Up Next
The loss concludes MNU's 2025 season. The Pioneers now turn their attention to the offseason as they build toward the 2026 campaign.
